?Chapter 45:


    Vincent answered Neil’s call with visible annoyance. “Hello, Mr. Adams,” Neil greeted immediately.


    Vincent leaned against the bed’s headboard, his voice indifferent. “What do you want, Mr. Wheeler?”


    Neil hesitated before continuing. “Mypany is facing challenges, and we need to coborate with Iris. Could you help me get in touch with her, Mr. Adams?” His tone was polite, almost pleading.


    Vincent’s lips twisted into a scornful smile. “Sorry, but that’s not possible. Iris chooses her own business partners, and I don’t interfere with her decisions.”


    Neil’s voice grew anxious. “Mr. Adams, all I’m asking for is an introduction. Honestly, I’ve tried contacting Aimee several times without sess.”


    Vincent’s eyes remained cold and unyielding. “I understand yourpany’s predicament, but I can’t assist you. You’ll need to find another way, Mr. Wheeler.”


    With Vincent’s firm refusal, Neil reluctantly ended the call.


    Vincent hung up and stared at the phone screen, contemting the potential chaos if Neil were to discover that Katelyn was Iris.


    Meanwhile, Samuel, unable to restrain his curiosity, was slicing an apple next to Vincent’s bed. “What is Neil thinking? Why would he try to poach from you? Doesn’t he realize that his ex-wife is Iris? It’s amusing to see how poorly he and his ex-wife coordinate.”


    Thisment drew a stern look from Vincent.


    “I think you’d be suitable for that,” Vincent suggested, his tone sharp.


    The suggestion was enough to make Samuel stop in his tracks. It seemed that Vincent was about to give him more work if he didn’t shut up now.


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    Samuel straightened up and suppressed a smile. “I promise to keep out of things that don’t concern me, Mr. Adams.”


    The thought of being sent on an inspection assignment for the next few months meant Samuel wouldn’t see the town again for at least three months and would likely endure considerable hardship.


    Vincent’s cold voice broke through Samuel’s thoughts. “Keep an eye on them and stay updated on their activities.”


    “Understood, Adams,” Samuel replied promptly.


    Meanwhile, Katelyn had just gotten home and was about to rx in bed when her phone rang unexpectedly. It was Tricia calling.


    Katelyn barely had any friends, and Tricia Guerrera was one of the few she considered a true friend. They had enjoyed shopping and high tea together, but they hadn’t spoken in a month. Feeling curious, Katelyn answered the call, wondering what had prompted Tricia to reach out now.


    Katelyn answered, slightly puzzled, and Tricia’s cheerful voice filled her ear.


    “Hey, Katelyn, what have you been up to? I’m throwing a birthday party tomorrow. Will you be able to make it?”


    Clutching a pillow on her bed, Katelyn responded with a tinge of sarcasm. “I think I’ll pass on the party tomorrow. After all, I’m not the Bailey family’s daughter anymore. These events typically attract crowds from wealthy families.”


    Previously, Katelyn mingled easily with such groups, but since the revtion about her parentage, she had be the target of their jokes.


    Tricia brushed off her concerns, insisting warmly, “You might not be a Bailey by blood, Kat, but you’re still my dear friend. Would I look down on you for something like that? Plus, it’s been ages since west met. I really miss you.”


    Katelyn’s expression wavered with uncertainty.


    Upon sensing her friend’s hesitance, Tricia’s voice grew even more persuasive. “Please,e keep mepany. It might be myst party here. My parents are nning to send me overseas after my birthday. It’ll be harder to see each other then.”


    Caught off guard, Katelyn asked, “Going abroad?”


    The person next to Tricia nearlyughed out loud but managed to stifle it. Tricia shot a sharp look at her, silencing her before she could jeopardize the ruse. After giving her friend a warning look, Tricia acted disappointed and sighed deeply.


    “Exactly! I’m leaving right after the party. Don’t you want to see me onest time before I go?”


    Katelyn’s hand tightened around her phone, reflecting her internal struggle. Finally, she responded, “Okay. Send me the address.”


    “You better not miss it,” Tricia said.


    Katelyn agreed and hung up, unaware that her response was met with immediateughter on the other end. One of the group members managed to ask between giggles, “Tricia, did Katelyn Bailey really agree? She’s not going to stand us up, is she?”


    Tricia smirked victoriously and confidently dered, “She’s a fool who clings to the idea of friendship. She’ll definitely show up now that she gave me her word.”


    “Then we’re in for a treat tomorrow.”


    The people in the roomughed again.


    With a disdainful gaze, Tricia said, “Katelyn, I can’t wait to see your downfall with my own eyes this time.”


    The following day, Katelyn put on a ssic ck dress. Following the address Tricia had sent, she arrived at the party venue on time. To her surprise, the guards at the entrance blocked her way.


    “You’re not on the list. You can’te in.”


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